67 MINERS CROWDed INTO NSCDC CELL BEFORE 37 DIED – NIGER GOVERNOR

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has disclosed that 67 suspected illegal miners were crowded into a single NSCDC cell in Minna before 37 died in custody.The miners were arrested Sept 15-16 during NSCDC Mining Marshals operation at M.I Wushishi Estate / Lukoto area, Minna, for illegal gold mining inside a residential layout.They were discovered dead early morning Sept 17. The state government confirms 37 dead, with 7 others in ICU at General Hospital Minna.NSCDC initially blamed a “suspected disease outbreak,” but survivors and intelligence reports point to suffocation.Governor Bago said investigations are considering two causes: suffocation from overcrowding and possible poisoning from hazardous mining substances. Forensic and medical teams are collecting samples for autopsy.The fallout: Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended Niger NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye. IGP Olatunji Disu visited Minna Friday and vowed a thorough probe. Protests erupted Thursday night, police fired tear gas Friday as youths demanded justice.Bago declared 3 days mourning and set up a committee of inquiry.